Federal Highway Administration

Research, Development, Technology, & Education, and ITS Overview

Budget Request for FY 2008

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY, & EDUCATION (RDT&E)

The Federal Highway Administration is requesting $196.4 million for its program of research, development and deployment in FY 2008. FHWA is also requesting $26.7 million for education and training related work. These amounts represent activities associated with deployment of safety initiatives, a restructured infrastructure program, and a variety of activities associated with environmental improvement and streamlining, security improvements, and outreach and dissemination.

INFRASTRUCTURE

FHWA is requesting $66.4 million for infrastructure-related research, focusing on the major areas of pavements and bridges and structures. The pavement and bridges/structures activity each include: a) work to develop and improve technologies and techniques to assure that the Nation’s infrastructure is world class from a standpoint of longevity, safety, and performance, b) work to ensure effective follow up and deployment of the improvements developed, particularly those that will speed construction and reduce congestion caused by construction and c) efforts to assess the performance of the infrastructure over the longer term.

The FHWA pavements work ($40.8 million, including Long Term Pavement Performance - LTPP) includes research and deployment activities to optimize pavement performance, advance quality assurance systems and tools, assure a technically capable workforce, improve pavement condition and ride quality, and advance environmentally sound pavement applications. In FY 2008 FHWA will continue to take a leadership role in pavement research and continue to work with and encourage involvement of the private sector and other partners in the research process from planning and conduct of research through technology transfer. Initiatives in FY 2008 relate to development of workshops and training courses to expand the use of recently developed design/analysis software and materials characterization tests; research to support development of a fully integrated suite of tools for pavement management (including design, materials selection, construction specifications, including quality control/assurance, and preservation); stewardship reviews; web-based training and regional training centers; research to advance the state of pavement performance prediction, including development of more predictive/reliable testing equipment; deployment of trial pavement sections; performance testing of pavements; and expanded use of performance specifications for infrastructure. In addition, there will be an increased need for collaboration with industry and other stakeholders for the concrete, asphalt, aggregate and alternative materials Research, Development, & Technology roadmaps and emphasis on the use of LTPP data to capture how and why pavements perform as they do, and for determining pavement remaining service life.

FHWA works closely with FAA in the context of the USDOT RD&T Planning Council and Team to develop coordinated research plans and budget proposals for pavements. In carrying out the program, FHWA will continue to coordinate with FAA on the following RD&T activities in order to strengthen collaboration and integration:

• FHWA has contracted with the Transportation Research Board to form a Pavement Technology Stakeholder Committee as a forum for stakeholder input on FHWA's pavement technology program. This Committee will include FAA representation.
• FAA representatives are invited to participate in FHWA-sponsored workshops and other meetings conducted to help frame pavement RD&T initiatives. For example:
• FAA representatives were active participants in a June 2006 FHWA benchmarking workshop that established a baseline for planning the work to be conducted via the SAFETEA-LU Section 5203 designated program on Alkali Silica Reactivity. FAA personnel will also be invited to comment on draft research plans arising from that workshop.
• FAA representatives will be invited to participate in an FHWA-sponsored strategic forum on Portland cement concrete mix design and analysis research to be conducted within the framework of the CP Roadmap (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/pccp/pubs/05047/index.cfm). This workshop is being conducted as part of a highly collaborative approach to concrete pavement research.
• FHWA representatives participate in technical workshops and other activities pertaining to FAA-sponsored research. For example, FHWA personnel recently participated in a proposal evaluation for the Airfield Asphalt Pavement Technology Program.

Leadership at FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center and the FAA tech center will continue to explore other opportunities for R&D collaboration between FAA and FHWA. Additional communication and coordination initiatives will be undertaken as appropriate.

FHWA’s bridge and structures work ($25.6 million) focuses on advances in technologies to support the Administration’s high priority mobility and security goals, by developing and promoting approaches that result in longer-lasting, better performing, and more easily constructed and rehabilitated bridges and structures. Work in FY 2008 will address the development and application of advanced materials and accelerated construction technologies both for new construction and in the repair and rehabilitation of existing highway structures and systems. Work in FY 2008 will also address needed studies for improving the resilience of the built highway infrastructure in order to provide a high level of resistance against extreme events, including both natural and man-made hazards. In addition, work will continue on the development and deployment of improved technologies for inspecting and assessing bridge structural components and systems, and in developing quality data on bridge performance which can be used to improve bridge design and asset management decision-making.

FHWA’s infrastructure program also includes asset management activities to develop and implement asset management principles leading to cost-effective performance of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Work is proceeding on developing and promoting innovative methods for data collection, evaluation and promotion of effective system preservation programs. Enhanced Engineering Economic Analysis tools that support cost-effective resource allocation and programming decisions are proposed. New initiatives in FY 2008 focus on modeling the performance of bridges (remaining service life), enhancing construction quality through improved program management and stewardship and oversight. Fundamental research on actual costs of maintaining and operating transportation facilities, and including the integration of advanced pavement modeling (into a new version of HERS-ST), developing training in data integration techniques, encouraging improvement of management systems to monitor system performance and undertaking engineering and economic analysis as an integral part of the decision making process. The overall goal is to improve the remaining service life of the network through effective system preservation for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on our highway transportation system.

PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT, AND REAL ESTATE RESEARCH

FHWA is requesting $19.5 million in this area to support 5 research initiatives authorized in SAFETEA-LU: Transportation Economic and Land Use System (TELUS), Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP), Center for Environmental Excellence, Center for Transportation Advancement and Regional Development and the Advanced Travel Forecasting Procedures Program (TRANSIMS). Research activities to be undertaken in these areas include a variety of efforts as part of the STEP to develop a better understanding of the complex relationship between surface transportation. These will include efforts to get input from stakeholders and partners on research emphasis areas, projects and results and will be focused on the major categories that address the environment, planning and analysis tools. Other activities will include: development and deployment of a management information tool (TELUS) to assist State Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in developing their transportation improvement programs, particularly public involvement; providing technical assistance and forums for information sharing about best practices and training in the use of tools and decision-making processes that can assist States, MPOs, counties, rural organizations and other partners in planning and delivering environmentally sound surface transportation projects; to develop tools, including training and education and improved understanding about how comprehensive development of small metropolitan and rural regional transportation systems can be responsive to the needs of businesses and local communities; and to assist State Departments of Transportation and MPOs to implement, develop methods and provide training and technical assistance for the implementation of TRANSIMS.

OPERATIONS

FHWA is requesting $7.84 million for activities in this area. The primary focus of these activities will be on congestion relief solutions. This work will mitigate the impacts of recurring congestion, as well as deal more effectively with non-recurring events that cause congestion, such as traffic incidents, work zones, adverse weather conditions and planned special events. Activities also include refining techniques to measure congestion when it occurs and to assess the performance of the highway system, as well as provide useful, real-time information to travelers. Efforts will also be directed at improving congestion management processes at the State and local level and bringing increased attention to incorporation of management and operations strategies into the transportation planning process.

FHWA is also pursuing a broad range of activities designed to improve freight movement and reduce freight-related congestion throughout the transportation network. These activities include developing skill sets and tools (analytic capacity, data, and professional capacity building) and facilitating both the public and private institutional arrangements necessary to advance freight related transportation projects and improve cross border movement. In addition to these foundational elements, metrics for freight movement on significant corridors and at border crossings are being established; research to positively correlate economic development to freight related transportation projects is being conducted; and a major initiative is underway to improve the profession’s ability to model freight flows on the transportation network.

The FHWA operations research program is working closely with the Department’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program to use advanced communications and information systems to reduce congestion. For example, operations research will rely on ITS technology and tools to develop advanced corridor management strategies that will reduce travel times and increase reliability by more evenly distributing travel demand over available routes and modes.

The Department of Transportation proposes to provide resources to the Department of Defense for assessment, development, acquisition, implementation, operation, and sustainment of additional designated Global Positioning System civil capabilities beyond the second and third civil signals already contained in the current Global Positioning System Program. FHWA requests the reprogramming of $3.6 million of unobligated balances of highway funds to be used to develop the new GPS L1C civil signal (modernized signal compatible with the EU Galileo Open Service signal on the new GPS III satellites), and for GPS Civil Signal Monitoring that entails software and hardware upgrades for global monitoring of all civil signals to include L1C/A, L2C, L5, and L1C.

HIGHWAY SAFETY

FHWA is requesting $13.6 million for safety RT&E activities with emphasis on four core program areas. The strategic approach to safety program focuses on short and long term programs, products, and activities aimed at developing a comprehensive and sustainable safety programs, and includes the development and implementation of policies, initiatives, and tools that achieve safety research and technology goals and objectives. Activities include: implementation of the core Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP); advancement of safety management techniques; commercialization of the Digital Highway Measurement Vehicle; deploying the first version of the SafetyAnalyst software; evaluating the effectiveness of various safety improvements as part of a Pooled Fund effort in support of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan; and developing and operating the 5th generation of the Highway Safety Information System.

Activities to address roadway departure crashes include the development of countermeasures to keep vehicles on the road and to reduce the severity of crashes when motorists depart the lane or road. Activities to keep vehicles on the road include refinement of an Interactive Highway Safety Design Model, and development and evaluation of countermeasures to reduce crashes at horizontal curves on two lane rural roads. Activities to reduce the severity of road departure crashes include further development of analysis methods to evaluate the severity of roadside features, and development of guidance on location and installation of roadside barriers. Further initiatives include technology transfer activities to communicate good road departure countermeasures and programs. Recent accomplishments include the annual update releases of the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model; sharing new National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) finite analysis models and crash test simulation results, and studies on the effectiveness of thrie-beam transitions, aesthetic guardrails, barrier height requirements, cable median barrier replacement, and other roadside hardware elements; a brochure for breakaway sign supports; and results of a domestic scan to identify good practices for incorporating safety improvements into resurfacing and restoration.

To reduce intersection fatalities, a comprehensive intersection safety program will determine safety problems and opportunities, develop and evaluate cost-effective countermeasures, and deliver products to help practitioners improve intersection safety in their jurisdictions. Initiatives planned for FY 2008 include developing safety design guidelines for novel intersection treatments, effectiveness evaluations of intersection safety improvements, assisting focus states in the development and implementation of intersection safety action plans, publishing an update to the highway-rail grade crossing handbook, and substantive safety analysis tools for interchanges. Recent accomplishments include the Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide, Road Safety Audit Guidelines, Intersection Safety Training courses, simulation of the innovative Diverging Diamond Interchange both for highway design and subject testing purposes, and surrogate safety assessment algorithms for traffic simulation models.

The FHWA also works in cooperation with NHTSA on developing and evaluating comprehensive countermeasures and appropriate tools and technology to reduce pedestrian fatalities and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Activities include integrating pedestrian and bicyclist issues in the planning, design, operations, and maintenance of roadway facilities, and implementing key recommendations from our partners and customers. New initiatives for FY 2008 include several studies on the impacts of traffic calming on pedestrian and bicyclist safety and a project to combine recently developed pedestrian and bicyclist expert systems (e.g., PEDSAFE, PBCAT, LOS). Recent accomplishments include: finishing a new version of PBCAT v.2; the completion of the Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System (PEDSAFE), as well as the bicycle-focused companion, BIKESAFE; the completion of a project to assess the pedestrian safety problem for Hispanic populations in the United States and to develop marketing materials to educate this population about pedestrian safety; an update of the FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle University Course; and publication of research reports on Characteristics of Emerging Trail Users and Their Safety and Evaluation of Safety, Design, and Operations of Shared Use Paths.

In addition, through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, activities in several cross cutting program areas contribute to the achievement of safety goals and multiple objectives in areas such as:

• human factors;
• speed management;
• work zones;
• local roads;
• professional capacity building;
• Safety and ITS;
• motorcycles;
• communication and outreach; and
• visibility.

The speed management program involves:

• evaluating variable speed limits;
• speed reducing treatments on main roads through rural communities; and
• creation of rational speed limits.

Other efforts include advancing visibility technologies and work on human centered systems to incorporate performance and behavior considerations into all aspects of highway design. Previous accomplishments include:

• field tests on impacts of setting and enforcing rational speed limits;
• safety effects of pavement wedge designs to prevent edge-dropoff crashes;
• evaluations of innovative traffic control devices and other low-cost safety improvements;
• study on driver performance characteristics on curves with various delineation and pavement countermeasures; and
• development of the first generation of the Digital Highway Measurement Vehicle.

POLICY

FHWA is requesting $0.26 million for the Policy Office’s International Highway Transportation Outreach Program. International research activities include collaboration with and representation at other national and international organizations, technology transfer and exchange, technical assistance, and deployment of U.S. technologies. In FY 2008, initiatives will include completion of up to five international Scanning research trips (in collaboration with AASHTO), enhancement of the Western Hemispheric program (including the Border Technology Exchange Program) with an emphasis on government-to-government relations with strategically important countries (such as Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Panama), and technical assistance to other nations, including Iraq and Kuwait.

EXPLORATORY ADVANCED RESEARCH

FHWA is requesting $12.2 million for Exploratory Advanced Research. This program includes longer-term, higher-risk research with the potential for dramatic breakthroughs in surface transportation. Research targeted at incremental advances is not consistent with the Exploratory Advanced Research program. Key elements of the program will be to obtain information from the very large number of basic and advanced research and development activities outside of the highway R&D community for possible exploitation, adaptation and eventual application to the highway industry. The program will enable interaction and exchange of ideas and information between the highway community and the broader advanced research and development community, and effectively synthesize the vast amount of data and information to support strategic planning and program development for the overall Exploratory Advanced Research Program.

FUTURE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM—SHRP II

FHWA is requesting $44.7 million for SHRP II, which will be conducted by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Sciences. The program is a targeted, short-term, results-oriented program of strategic highway research designed to advance highway performance and safety for U.S. highway users. This program will include funding for the four areas of research that were identified by a TRB-established committee of leaders from the highway community. These four areas are Safety, Renewal, Reliability and Capacity. Research under the Safety area ($17.9 million) will include work on the prevention and reduction of the severity of highway crashes by understanding driver behavior. Under the Renewal area ($11.6 million), work will address the aging infrastructure through rapid design and construction methods that cause minimal disruption and produce long-lived facilities. Reliability ($7.6 million) will reduce congestion through incident reduction, management, response, and mitigation. Research under the Capacity area ($7.6 million) will integrate mobility, economic, environmental, and community needs in the planning and designing of new transportation capacity. During this year, work will also begin on the report to Congress due February 1, 2009.

U.S. DOT PARTNER ADMINISTRATIONS

FHWA is also requesting $31.9 million for SAFETEA-LU programs being led by other U.S. DOT modes. This request includes $0.76 million for the Office of the Secretary (OST) to administer the Center for Excellence in Project Finance. The request also includes $28.53 million for eight programs to be led by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). These programs are: National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research, Biobased Transportation Research, Commercial Remote Sensing Products and Spatial Information Technologies, Technology Transfer Grant, Rural Transportation Research Initiative, Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Research Initiative, Cold Region and Rural Transportation Research, Maintenance, and Operations, Advanced Vehicle Technology, and Renewable Transportation Systems Research. This request also includes $0.43 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct Automobile Accident Injury Research, $1.09 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct Motor Carrier Efficiency Study, and $1.09 million for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to conduct Hazardous Materials Research Projects.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

FHWA is requesting $26.7 million to support education and training activities. The National Highway Institute ($9.27 million) provides training courses, which present the latest technologies and best practices in highway construction. The Local Technical Assistance Program ($10.72 million) supports technology transfer centers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and regional centers serving Native American tribal governments. The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program ($2.12 million) provides opportunities for high performing students and faculty to research transportation topics. The Garret A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Programs ($1.21 million) enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the elementary and secondary school level. The Transportation Education Development Pilot Program ($1.81 million) develops new curricula and education programs to train individuals at all levels of the transportation workforce. Freight Planning Capacity Building ($0.85 million) supports enhancements in freight transportation planning. The Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Technical Assistance and Training Program ($0.72 million) disseminates the results of the surface transportation congestion relief solutions research initiative for the purpose of assisting State transportation departments and local transportation agencies with improving their approaches to surface transportation congestion measurement, analysis, and project programming.

INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS)

The FHWA is requesting $110.0 million for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) programs. The ITS Program is focused on the development and deployment of technology for improving the safety and operation of our surface transportation system. Currently the ITS Program is authorized at $110M per year. The current program is organized around nine major R&D initiatives and the Deployment Support Program. The Major Initiatives are large multi-year programs focused on a particular transportation issue with specific milestones and end goals. There are four major initiatives focused on safety, four focused on mobility and one focused on global connectivity. The Deployment Support Program consists of several programs all focused on providing the necessary tools, guidance, training, etc. to support the deployment and operation of ITS by State and local governments. These programs consist of Architecture and Standards, Professional Capacity building, Evaluation and Assessment, and Outreach.

The FHWA is also requesting to reprogram $25 million in unobligated balances associated with Federal-aid highway program inactive demonstration and other projects in order to expand congestion related research activities in direct support of the Congestion Initiative.

UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

The FHWA is requesting $69.7 million for University Transportation Research. University Transportation Centers programs support 52 university‑based centers that conduct state-of-the-art in transportation research, undertake education activities for the next generation of transportation professionals, and for technology transfer activities. This program is funded by Title V of SAFETEA-LU and is managed by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Additional budget details are contained in the RITA budget submission.

BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS (BTS)

Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is requesting $27.0 million to support statistical activities in FY 2008. BTS is an arm of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). The Bureau collects, compiles, analyzes, and publishes transportation statistics in areas specified in SAFETEA-LU. Key areas of focus include data on freight, travel, and aviation; transportation economics; geospatial data; and the National Transportation Library. Details on BTS’s programs are included in RITA’s budget request.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION			FY 2006 Enacted	FY 2007 CR	FY 2007 Pres. Bud.		FY 2008 Modal Req.
A.	Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Deployment Program		169,159	169,159	196,400		196,400
	1.	Safety	7,003	7,003	8,296		7,488
	2.	Safety (T)	5,729	5,729	6,788		6,126
	3.	Pavements	17,563	17,563	20,144		20,828
	4.	Pavements (T)	9,459	9,459	10,849		11,217
	5.	Structures	11,775	11,775	14,514		14,054
	6.	Structures (T)	9,635	9,635	11,875		11,499
	7.	Policy	148	148
	8.	Policy (T)	64	64
	9.	Planning, Environment, and Realty	6,601	6,601	7,821		7,799
	10.	Planning, Environment, and Realty (T)	9,902	9,902	11,731		11,698
	11.	Highway Operations	2,542	2,542	3,011		3,137
	12.	Highway Operations (T)	3,812	3,812	4,517		4,705
	13.	Long-Term Pavement Performance	7,145	7,145	8,465		8,818
	14.	International Outreach	0	0	251		261
	15.	Exploratory Advanced Research	9,884	9,884	11,709		12,199
	16.	Future Strategic Highway Research Program-SHRP II	36,184	36,184	42,867		44,657
	17.	OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA	14,165	14,165	17,774		16,901
	18.	OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA (T)	14,165	14,165	15,788		15,013
	19.	Corporate Business	3,383	3,383
B.	Training and Education		22,997	22,997	26,700		26,700
	1.	National Highway Institute (T)	7,984	7,984	9,270		9,270
	2.	Local Technical Assistance Program (T)	9,232	9,232	10,719		10,719
	3.	Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (T)	1,829	1,829	2,124		2,124
	4.	Garret Morgan Program (T)	1,040	1,040	1,207		1,207
	5.	Transportation Education Development Pilot (T)	1,560	1,560	1,811		1,811
	6.	Freight Planning Capacity Building (T)	728	728	845		845
	7.	Surface Transportation Relief Assistance Program (T)	624	624	724		724
C.	Intelligent Transportation Systems		94,743	94,743	110,000		110,000
	1.	Research	10,549	10,549	51,667		0
	2.	Operational Test	1,479	1,479	11,671		0
	3.	Integration (T)	656	656	11,165		0
	4.	Vehicle Infrastructure Integration	27,340	27,340	0		22,200
	5.	Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems	2,232	2,232	0		11,000
	6.	Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance Systems	5,470	5,470	0		19,000
	7.	Next Generation 911	3,750	3,750	0		2,000
	8.	Integrated Corridor Management	3,075	3,075	0		12,000
	9.	Emergency Management and Operations	350	350	0		4,300
	10.	Mobility Services for All Americans	2,867	2,867	0		3,000
	11.	Clarus	1,426	1,426	0		2,000
	12.	Road Weather Research and Development	2,880	2,880	0		3,000
	13.	I-95 (T)	6,029	6,029	0		7,000
	14	Architecture and Standards (T)	5,755	5,755	17,666		7,500
	15.	Professional Capacity Building (T)	3,024	3,024	0		3,500
	16.	Program Assessment (T)	6,330	6,330	6,666		7,000
	17.	Outreach (T)	672	672	0		1,000
	18.	ITS Program Support	3,030	3,030	11,165		5,500
	19.	ITS Program Support (T)	7,829	7,829
	20.	Congestion Relief Research and Development (T) [Non-add]	0	0	0		[25,000]
D.	University Transportation Research		60,033	60,033	69,700		69,700
	1.	University Transportation Research (T)	60,033	60,033	69,700		69,700
E.	Other		148,681	162,701	165,723		171,939
	1.	State Planning and Research (SPR) 1/	148,681	162,701	165,723		171,939
F.	Administrative Expenses		17,044	17,044	17,556		17,960
	Subtotal, Research and Development		346,568	360,587	392,634		410,041
	Subtotal, Technology Investment (T)		166,089	166,090	193,445		182,658
	Total FHWA	Subtotal RD&T Programs	512,657	526,677	586,079	2/	592,699
	Add: Bureau of Transportation Statistics		26,730	26,730	27,000		27,000
	Less: Administrative Expenses		-17,044	-17,044	-17,556		-17,960
	Less: State Planning and Research (SPR)		-148,681	-162,701	-165,723		-171,939
	Total Title V Programs		373,662	373,662	429,800		429,800

Footnotes:

1/ Title 23 USC 505(b) requires State DOT's to expend no less than 25 percent of their annual SPR funds on RD&T activities. Total SPR funding represents 2 percent of apportioned programs e.g. Interstate Maintenance, National Highway System, Surface Transportation, etc. and other allocations to the States.

2/ FY 2007 Contract Authority amounts do not include Revenue Aligned Budget Authority (RABA) as proposed in the FY 2007 President's Budget.

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION			FY 2006 Oblim	FY 2007 CR Oblim	FY 2007 Pres Bud Oblim (Est.)	FY 2008 Oblim (Est.)
A.	Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Deployment Program		169,159	169,159	190,268	186,973
	1.	Safety	7,003	7,003	8,037	7,129
	2.	Safety (T)	5,729	5,729	6,576	5,832
	3.	Pavements	17,563	17,563	19,515	19,828
	4.	Pavements (T)	9,459	9,459	10,510	10,679
	5.	Structures	11,775	11,775	14,061	13,379
	6.	Structures (T)	9,635	9,635	11,504	10,947
	7.	Policy	148	148
	8.	Policy (T)	64	64
	9.	Planning, Environment, and Realty	6,601	6,601	7,577	7,425
	10.	Planning, Environment, and Realty (T)	9,902	9,902	11,365	11,137
	11.	Highway Operations	2,542	2,542	2,917	2,986
	12.	Highway Operations (T)	3,812	3,812	4,376	4,479
	13.	Long-Term Pavement Performance	7,145	7,145	8,201	8,395
	14.	International Outreach	0	0	243	248
	15.	Exploratory Advanced Research	9,884	9,884	11,343	11,613
	16.	Future Strategic Highway Research Program-SHRP II	36,184	36,184	41,529	42,514
	17.	OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA	14,165	14,165	17,219	16,090
	18.	OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA (T)	14,165	14,165	15,295	14,292
	19.	Corporate Business	3,383	3,383
B.	Training and Education		22,997	22,997	25,866	25,418
	1.	National Highway Institute (T)	7,984	7,984	8,980	8,825
	2.	Local Technical Assistance Program (T)	9,232	9,232	10,384	10,204
	3.	Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (T)	1,829	1,829	2,058	2,022
	4.	Garret Morgan Program (T)	1,040	1,040	1,169	1,149
	5.	Transportation Education Development Pilot (T)	1,560	1,560	1,754	1,724
	6.	Freight Planning Capacity Building (T)	728	728	819	804
	7.	Surface Transportation Relief Assistance Program (T)	624	624	702	690
C.	Intelligent Transportation Systems		94,743	94,743	106,566	104,720
	1.	Research	10,549	10,549	50,054	0
	2.	Operational Test	1,479	1,479	11,307	0
	3.	Integration (T)	656	656	10,816	0
	4.	Vehicle Infrastructure Integration	27,340	27,340	0	21,134
	5.	Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems	2,232	2,232	0	10,472
	6.	Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance Systems	5,470	5,470	0	18,088
	7.	Next Generation 911	3,750	3,750	0	1,904
	8.	Integrated Corridor Management	3,075	3,075	0	11,424
	9.	Emergency Management and Operations	350	350	0	4,094
	10.	Mobility Services for All Americans	2,867	2,867	0	2,856
	11.	Clarus	1,426	1,426	0	1,904
	12.	Road Weather Research and Development	2,880	2,880	0	2,856
	13.	I-95 (T)	6,029	6,029	0	6,664
	14	Architecture and Standards (T)	5,755	5,755	17,114	7,140
	15.	Professional Capacity Building (T)	3,024	3,024	0	3,332
	16.	Program Assessment (T)	6,330	6,330	6,458	6,664
	17.	Outreach (T)	672	672	0	952
	18.	ITS Program Support	3,030	3,030	10,816	5,236
	19.	ITS Program Support (T)	7,829	7,829
	20.	Congestion Relief Research and Development (T) [Non-add]				[25,000]
D.	University Transportation Research		60,033	60,033	67,524	66,355
	1.	University Transportation Research (T)	60,033	60,033	67,524	66,355
E.	Other		148,681	162,701	165,723	171,939
	1.	State Planning and Research (SPR) 1/	148,681	162,701	165,723	171,939
F.	Administrative Expenses		17,044	17,044	17,556	17,960
	Subtotal, Research and Development		346,568	360,588	375,282	400,902
	Subtotal, Technology Investment (T)		166,089	166,089	198,221	172,463
	Total FHWA	Subtotal RD&T Programs	512,657	526,677	573,503	573,365
	Add: Bureau of Transportation Statistics 2/		26,730	26,730	27,480	27,000
	Less: Administrative Expenses		-17,044	-17,044	-17,556	-17,960
	Less: State Planning and Research (SPR)		-148,681	-162,701	-165,723	-171,939
	Total Title V Programs	Total Title V Programs	373,662	373,662	417,704	410,466

Footnotes:

1/ Title 23 USC 505(b) requires State DOT's to expend no less than 25 percent of their annual SPR funds on RD&T activities. Total SPR funding represents 2 percent of apportioned programs e.g. Interstate Maintenance, National Highway System, Surface Transportation, etc. and other allocations to the States.

2/ The FY 2007 Obligation Limitation for Bureau of Transportation Statistics includes $480K of additional obligation authority based on Revenue Aligned Budget Authority (RABA) proposed in the FY 2007 President's Budget. Fiscal Year 2007 Obligation Limitation for all other programs include RABA.

RD&T Program	FY 2008 Request	Safety	Congestion	Global Conn.	Environ.	Security	Org. Excell.
Surface Transp. Research, Developmt., and Deploymnt Prog.	196,400	36,009	128,468	3,294	22,514	2,033	4,082
Safety	13,614	13,614
Safety	7,488	7,488
Safety (T)	6,126	6,126
Pavements	32,045		32,045
Pavements	20,828		20,828
Pavements (T)	11,217		11,217
Structures	25,553		25,553
Structures	14,054		14,054
Structures (T)	11,499		11,499
Planning, Environment, and Realty	19,497	100	8,937	1,000	7,411		2,049
Planning, Environment, and Realty	7,799	40	3,575	400	2,964		820
Planning, Environment, and Realty (T)	11,698	60	5,362	600	4,447		1,229
Highway Operations	7,842		7,842
Highway Operations	3,137		3,137
Highway Operations (T)	4,705		4,705
Long-Term Pavement Performance	8,818		8,818
International Outreach	261			261
Exploratory Advanced Research	12,199	2,034	2,033	2,033	2,033	2,033	2,033
Future Strategic Highway Research Program-SHRP II	44,657	17,863	26,794
OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA	31,914	2,398	16,446		13,070
OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA	16,901	1,270	8,709		6,922
OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA (T)	15,013	1,128	7,737		6,148
Training and Education	26,700	8,000	9,339	0	2,000	500	6,861
National Highway Institute (T)	9,270	1,000	6,770		1,000	500
Local Technical Assistance Program (T)	10,719	7,000	1,000		1,000		1,719
Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (T)	2,124						2,124
Garret Morgan Program (T)	1,207						1,207
Transportation Education Development Pilot (T)	1,811						1,811
Freight Planning Capacity Building (T)	845		845
Surface Transportation Relief Assistance Program (T)	724		724
Intelligent Transportation Systems	110,000	60,710	46,290	3,000	0	0	0
Vehicle Infrastructure Integration	22,200	12,200	10,000
Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems	11,000	11,000
Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System	19,000	19,000
Next Generation 911	2,000	2,000
Integrated Corridor Management	12,000		12,000
Emergency Management and Operations	4,300		4,300
Mobility Services for All Americans	3,000		3,000
Clarus	2,000	500	1,500
Road Weather Research and Development	3,000	1,000	2,000
I-95 (T)	7,000	1,000	4,000	2,000
Architecture and Standards (T)	7,500	4,300	3,000	200
Professional Capacity Building (T)	3,500	2,030	1,390	80
Program Assessment (T)	7,000	4,100	2,700	200
Outreach (T)	1,000	580	400	20
ITS Program Support	5,500	3,000	2,000	500
Congestion Relief Research and Development (T) [Non-add program]	[25,000]		[25,000]
University Transportation Research	69,700	0	69,700	0	0	0	0
University Transportation Research (T)	69,700		69,700
Bureau of Transportion Statistics (BTS)	27,000	0	0	0	0	0	27,000
Bureau of Transportation Statistics	27,000						27,000
Other	171,939	0	171,939	0	0	0	0
State Planning and Research (SPR)	171,939		171,939
Administrative Expenses	17,960						17,960
Subtotal, R&D	410,041	77,395	294,687	3,194	11,919	2,033	20,813
Subtotal, Technology Investment (T)	182,658	27,324	131,049	3,100	12,595	500	8,090
Subtotal RD&T Programs	592,699	104,719	425,736	6,294	24,514	2,533	28,903
Add: Bureau of Transportation Statistics	27,000						27,000
Less: Administrative Expenses	-17,960						-17,960
Less: State Planning and Research (SPR)	-171,939		-171,939
Total Title V Programs	429,800	104,719	253,797	6,294	24,514	2,533	37,943

Federal Highway Administration

Research Program Summary

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: SAFETY
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $13,614,000

Projects

Safety Research and Innovation Deployment Program

Objective: Demonstrate the application of innovative technologies in highway safety.

Description: Demonstrate the application of innovative technologies in highway safety and support the deployment and evaluation of safety technologies and innovations at the state and local levels. In this research area, efforts will include the deployment of best practices in safety training and management.

Outputs:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of various safety improvements in support of State Strategic Highway Safety Plans
• Implementation of core Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
• Develop guidance on location and installation of roadside barriers
• Develop guidelines for novel intersection treatments
• Updated handbook for highway rail grade crossing
• Conduct studies on the impacts of traffic calming on pedestrian and bicyclist safety
• Develop countermeasures to keep vehicles on the road to reduce the severity of crashes when motorists depart the lane or road
• Knowledge gained on human factor issues associated with use of the Highway Driving Simulator or Field Research Vehicle
• Reports on how human-centered system considerations are affected by innovative infrastructure highway designs
• Reports and products to assist states, locals, and industry in assessing safety implications
• Reports from studies using Highway Safety Information System data
• Intersection Violation Warning System prototype and field test
• Intersection Gap Acceptance prototype and field test
• Improved safety analysis methods for highway intersections
• Study of the effectiveness of innovative intersection designs
• Safety analysis methods for freeway interchanges
• Driver performance requirements for traffic control devices
• Highway visibility model
• Specifications for a Digital Highway Measurement System that records roadway data at state-of-the-art precision levels

• Evaluation of alternative highway safety countermeasures for priority treatments decided by the states
• Finite element models of new vehicle design and roadside hardware to assess vehicle crashworthiness into roadside hardware

FY 2008 Funding: $11,110,000

Center for Surface Transportation Safety

Objective: Develops and disseminates advanced transportation safety techniques and innovations in both rural areas and urban communities.

Description: The center will use a controlled access highway with state-of-the-art features to test safety devices and techniques that enhance driver performance, to examine advanced pavement and lighting systems, and to develop techniques to address older driver and fatigue issues.

Outputs:

• Knowledge gained on vehicle-based approach to safety devices to enhance driver performance
• Knowledge gained on infrastructure-based approach to safety devices to enhance driver performance
• Reports and guidelines on safety devices and techniques that result in improved safety, especially with regard to a reduction in the number and rate of fatal run-off-road crashes on two-lane rural roads
• Knowledge gained on roadway lighting parameters that have the highest correlation to reductions in crash rate and severity
• Knowledge gained on driver visual requirements for detection of objects and pedestrians on and along the roadway
• Development of practical metric and design methods for roadway lighting
• Reports and guidelines on appropriate delineation requirements for various road classes
• Knowledge gained regarding age-related impacts on driving performance
• Reports on skill acquisition and errors in judgment by younger drivers
• Reports on errors in perception and skill degradation among older drivers
• Reports and recommendations on on-road sleeping patterns and safety effects for commercial motor vehicle operators
• Evaluation of the safety impact of the August 2005 FMCSA Hours of Service rule for commercial vehicle drivers

FY 2008 Funding: $654,000

Center for Excellence in Rural Safety

Objective: Provides research, training, and outreach on innovative uses of technology to enhance rural safety and economic development, assess local community needs, and improve access to mobile emergency treatment.

Description: Among other activities, the program will address the online and seminar training needs of rural transportation practitioners and policy makers.

Outputs:

• Strategic partnerships with key stakeholder groups in order to leverage related activities on rural safety
• Knowledge gained through research on technological, policy, behavior, and educational issues related to rural transportation safety
• Development and deployment of training and outreach to advance innovative uses of technology, policy, and best practices to enhance rural safety and economic development to rural transportation practitioners and policy makers
• Creation and utilization of both traditional and innovative outreach mechanisms, which may include safety circuit rider program, streaming video, on-demand training library, web-based training, as well as other educational activities suited to improving rural safety and economic development

FY 2008 Funding: $761,000

Transportation Injury Research

Objective: Supports the Center for Transportation Injury Research at the Calspan University of Buffalo, New York.

Description: This Center will perform interdisciplinary, systems-oriented research to reduce the occurrence, severity, and consequences of crash-related injuries.

Outputs:

• Knowledge gained on the statistics of rare events as it applies to highway safety
• In-depth assessment of the benefits from the roadside safety hardware certification process relative to injuries observed in crashes
• Improvement methods for medical transport services at highway crashes
• Review of structural safety issues for truck-tractor designers relative to driver safety improvements

FY 2008 Funding: $1,089,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: PAVEMENTS
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $32,045,000

Projects

Innovative Pavement Research and Deployment

Objective: Researches, develops, demonstrates, promotes, supports, and documents the application of innovative pavement technologies, specifications and test methods, and practices.

Description: Activities will include the development and deployment of new, cost-effective, and innovative designs, materials, and practices to extend pavement life and performance; promotion and use of improved engineering design criteria and specifications; and use of accelerated construction techniques to increase safety and reduce construction time.

Outputs:

• Develop and implement quality assurance technologies
• Guidance for minimizing moisture damage in asphalt pavements
• Guidance for the use of modifiers and additives in asphalt paving
• Improved computer-based guidance for concrete paving
• Enhanced quality systems for highway paving
• Information and component models for “next generation” performance prediction
• Automated testing equipment for concrete coefficient of thermal expansion
• Aggregate models for optimization of concrete paving mixes
• Guidance for optimizing pavement surface characteristics
• Concrete paving mixture thermal tests for analysis of plastic and hardened concrete
• Develop and deploy improved material technologies
• Identify and implement material recycling technologies
• Improved material selection and design systems

• Guidance for optimization of pavement surface characteristics
• Methods to quantify construction variability and effects on performance

FY 2008 Funding: $19,715,000

Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR)

Objective: Development and deployment of techniques to prevent and mitigate alkali silica reactivity.

Description: Conducts research and implements technologies to address the problem of cracking and eventual failure of concrete in bridges, pavements, and other structures due to silica and alkali reaction in Portland cement.

Outputs:

• Guidance for reducing the effects of ASR on new and existing structures and pavements

FY 2008 Funding: $2,135,000

Fundamental Properties of Asphalts and Modified Asphalts

Objective: Promote innovative technologies that will improve pavement durability, extend service life, and help reduce costs.

Description: Among some of the research topics to be pursued are the development of the chemical/molecular model of asphalt, and the determination of the molecular and microstructural bases of asphalt and mix rheology and of pavement performance in general. Western Research Institute (WRI) will continue pinning down the fundamental mechanisms of oxidation and developing the fundamental mechanisms of fatigue cracking.

Outputs:

• Link mechanical/ engineering properties of mix and its individual constituents qualitatively or, better, semi-quantitatively to the fundamental chemical/ molecular properties of the mix components, including the effects of moisture and oxidation
• Develop an engineering performance prediction model of asphalt pavement that relates engineering properties to chemical/molecular parameters
• Explain specific embodiments of warm mix asphalt (WMA) and its enhanced properties with respect to regular hot mix asphalt (HMA) in terms of the fundamental science involved
• Validate the effects of the fundamental properties of asphalts on pavement performance using real pavement test sites where sections to be compared differ solely in chemical compositions of the asphalt binders used
• Develop equations for the empirical parameters used in performance models of asphalt and of mix in terms of chemical/molecular properties of different asphalt binders used
• Transfer fundamental science/technology developed to the practical world of the asphalt highway paving industry
• Develop improved chemical and physicochemical methods to enhance the characterization and performance prediction of modified asphalts
• Develop chemical/molecular understanding of aggregate surfaces and their effects on mix performance to the level of our current understanding of analogous properties of chemically different asphalts and their differential effects on pavement performance

FY 2008 Funding: $3,660,000

Asphalt Research Consortium

Objective: Conduct research in flexible pavements and on extending the life cycle of asphalt.

Description: This research consortium will be led by the Western Research Institute (WRI) in Laramie, Wyoming.

Outputs:

• Validation and calibration of findings of the fundamental properties of asphalt (Fundamental Contract) which impact performance using mixture testing and pavement test sites
• Advance promising products, processes, and models through further research development, testing, and evaluation
• New technological capabilities to increase pavement durability, performance, and reduce life cycle cost
• Evaluation of pavement surface characteristics for improving condition and ride quality of pavements for users
• Enhanced knowledge of and new models on vehicle-pavement interactions as they relate to noise and friction
• Identification of mechanism of action for polyphosphoric acid as an asphalt binder modifier as well as its potential beneficial and deleterious effects
• Comprehensive technology transfer and training program for Agreement products

FY 2008 Funding: $6,535,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: STRUCTURES
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $25,553,000

Projects

Seismic Research

Objective: Study the vulnerability and improve the resiliency of the Nation’s bridges and highways to seismic activity.

Description: The program will develop and implement cost-effective methods to reduce vulnerabilities and economic loss through the conduct of seismic research. Upgrades will be made to earthquake simulation facilities, as necessary, to carry out the program.

Outputs:

• Design details to accommodate seismic behavior and design of prefabricated segmental bridge piers for accelerated bridge construction in seismic regions
• Design criteria for protection of bridges against earthquakes and other hazards
• Implement improved earthquake loss estimation technology

FY 2008 Funding: $2,178,000

Long-Term Bridge Performance

Objective: Provide quality data on the performance of in-service highway bridges regularly inspected and monitored over a period of 20 years.

Description: Highway agencies will use this data to make informed decisions on all aspects of bridge design and construction of bridges, and in making asset management decisions regarding maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation in order to meet future needs.

Outputs:

• Research quality data on the performance of highway bridges under a range of exposures and loadings
• Research quality data that can be used to assess the effectiveness of maintenance approaches and strategies
• Standards and protocols for the collection and dissemination of bridge performance data in order to unify activities both nationally and globally
• A collateral output is expected to be significant improvements in sensor technologies and systems for assessing and monitoring the performance and “health” of bridges and structures

FY 2008 Funding: $6,753,000

Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment

Objective: Promote, demonstrate, evaluate, and document the application of innovative designs, materials, and construction methods in the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of bridges and other highway structures.

Description: Program activities will include research, deployment, and education in support of innovative approaches and technologies that will significantly improve design methodologies, accelerate and improve the quality of construction, and result in higher levels of durability and resilience for highway structures. In addition, the program will have a major component focused on extending high-performance concrete bridge technology.

Outputs:

• Revisions to AASHTO bridge design and materials specifications and standards
• Demonstration and evaluation of improved bridge design and construction practices

• Development, demonstration and evaluation of technologies and approaches that will result in significantly higher resilience against natural hazards and other extreme events

FY 2008 Funding: $11,415,000

High-Performing Steel Bridge

Objective: Demonstrate the application of high-performing steel in the construction and rehabilitation of bridges.

Description: Program activities will include research, deployment, and education in support of innovative approaches and technologies that will significantly improve design methodologies, accelerate and improve the quality of construction, and result in higher levels of durability and resilience for steel highway bridges.

Outputs:

• Revisions to AASHTO bridge design and materials specifications and standards
• Development of improved bridge design, fabrication, and construction/erection practices and technologies
• Modern fracture control plan to guide fabrication and maintenance of bridge structures

• Designers guide for efficient use of high-performance steel

FY 2008 Funding: $3,573,000

Steel Bridge Testing

Objective: Yields new information on the testing of steel bridges using nondestructive technology.

Description: Program activities will focus on the development or improvement of nondestructive testing technologies that are able to detect fatigue and other cracks in steel bridges and other structures, and to effectively demonstrate and deploy these technologies in the field.

Outputs:

• Improved technology for detecting cracks in steel bridges and other structures

FY 2008 Funding: $1,089,000

Ultra-high-performance Concrete Demonstrations

Objective: Demonstrate the use of a steel-fiber-reinforced reactive powder concrete (known as Ultra-High Performance Concrete – UHPC) which has more than twice the compressive strength of concrete used in typical bridge and structural applications.

Description: This work will result in improved material characterization and recommendations regarding the efficient use of this high performance, but expensive, structural material in appropriate bridge applications. The research is likely to drive important new innovations in bridge design and construction practices.

Outputs:

• Quantify material properties for use in design and long-term field applications
• Develop optimized recast UHPC bridge deck and other bridge systems
• Design provisions and examples compatible with AASHTO specifications

FY 2008 Funding: $545,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT, AND REALTY
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $19,497,000

Projects

Transportation, Economics, and Land Use System (TELUS)

Objective: Helps Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and state DOTs develop their transportation improvement programs and carry out other transportation planning responsibilities.

Description: A fully integrated information management and decision support system, TELUS will help states and MPOs assure public participation in the transportation planning process.

Outputs:

• Utilize TELUS to assist States and MPOs in the development of transportation improvement programs and other transportation planning initiatives

FY 2008 Funding: $872,000

Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program

Objective: Improve understanding of the complex relationship between surface transportation and the environment.

Description: Among other efforts, the program will support research to understand the impacts of transportation activities on the natural and built environment and communities and to advance technologies and concepts to mitigate those impacts.

Outputs:

· Improve state of the practice regarding the impact of transportation on the environment

FY 2008 Funding: $14,704,000

Center for Environmental Excellence

Objective: Assist states in planning and delivering environmentally sound surface transportation projects.

Description: The center will provide technical assistance, information on best practices, and training in the use of tools and decision-making processes.

Outputs:

• Conduct research to promote environmental streamlining/stewardship
• Advance Context Sensitive Solutions
• Identify and promote technology and geospatial innovations

· Conduct problem solving sessions on Federal environmental legislation, policies and procedures
· Conduct workshops on implementing SAFETEA-LU Environmental Review Process provisions
· Transfer knowledge to environment and transportation professionals
· Develop case studies and best practices
· Promote good practices through awards

FY 2008 Funding: $1,089,000

Center for Transportation Advancement and Regional Development

Objective: Assist in the development of small metropolitan and rural regional transportation systems that are responsive to the needs of businesses and local communities.

Description: Focusing on training, education, and research geared toward developing small metropolitan and rural regional transportation systems, the center will promote the use of innovative strategies to expand the capabilities, capacity, and effectiveness of regional transportation networks, including activities related to freight projects, transit system upgrades, roadways, bridges, and intermodal facilities.

Outputs:

• Improved knowledge of transportation and economic development
• Transfer knowledge to economic development and transportation professionals

FY 2008 Funding: $545,000

Advanced Travel Forecasting Procedures Program

Objective: Continues deployment of the Transportation Analysis Simulation System (TRANSIMS) as a planning tool.

Description: The program will develop additional applications and uses of the TRANSIMS model.

Outputs:

• Demonstrate mode-split procedures combining highway, transit, and non-motorized modes for tracking and simulating travelers on a second-by-second basis

• Use multiprocessor and 64-bit computer technology to simulate movements of vehicles and persons for entire regions
• Use simulation technologies to understand the impact of operational improvements on the demand for travel

FY 2008 Funding: $2,287,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: HIGHWAY OPERATIONS
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $7,842,000

Projects

Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions

Objective: Develops information to assist state transportation departments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in measuring and addressing surface transportation congestion problems.

Description: The program will consist of two independent research programs: Improved Transportation Congestion Management System Measures and Analytical Techniques for Action on Surface Transportation Congestion. Further, initiatives to address non-recurring congestion will focus on reducing the time required to restore traffic flow to “normal” conditions following minor traffic incidents and minimizing the impact of work zones on motorist mobility.

Outputs:

• The national summary report for the traffic incident management self assessment; activities to foster partnerships and advance the state of the practice; supporting the towing and recovery certification through outreach to law enforcement agencies; develop effective technical guidance and training in traffic control at highway incidents in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Provide guidance materials and tools to decision makers and senior officials who need to be familiar with the value of regional coordination and collaboration to ensure the success of planned special events
• Support the congestion mitigation with a comprehensive work zone tools. The tools assist State DOTs in evaluating their existing work zone management practices and identifying areas for potential improvement; develop guidance on work zone safety; foster using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in work zones
• Provide training on the principles and tools for road weather management by providing transportation decisions makers the basics behind road weather management and the ways that various road weather management strategies can be applied to resolve a host of weather-related problems
• Develop regional frameworks for the integrated deployment of intelligent transportation systems technology; traffic conditions monitoring; computerized traffic control systems; traveler information systems, and public transit information management systems

FY 2008 Funding: $7,842,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: LONG-TERM PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $8,818,000

Projects

Long-Term Pavement Performance

Objective: Provide answers to “how” and “why” pavements perform as they do.

Description: The program will continue to gather and process data describing the structure, service conditions, and performance of more than 2,400 pavement test sections in North America for use by highway engineers in making decisions leading to more cost-effective and better performing pavements.

Outputs:

• Develop database and supporting documentation

• Develop and implement quality assurance technologies

FY 2008 Funding: $8,818,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $261,000

Projects:

International Highway Transportation Outreach Program

Objective: Informs the U.S. highway community of technological innovations in foreign countries and promotes U.S. highway transportation expertise, goods, and services.

Description: The program will help to increase transfers of U.S.-developed highway technologies to foreign countries, as well as leverage best practices and technologies already developed in foreign countries.

Outputs:

• International Scanning Program scans, reports and pilot projects, resulting in the adaptation of foreign technologies and best practices for use in the U.S.
• Opportunities developed for US private sector companies through technology exchange and technical assistance

FY 2008 Funding: $261,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: EXPLORATORY ADVANCED RESEARCH
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $12,199,000

Projects

Exploratory Advanced Research

Objective: Addresses longer-term, higher-risk research with potentially dramatic breakthroughs for improving the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety (including bicycle and pedestrian safety) aspects of highway and intermodal transportation systems.

Description: The program will focus on obtaining information from the very large number of basic and advanced research and development resources and activities outside of the highway R&D community for possible exploitation, adaptation and eventual application to the highway industry.

Outputs:

• Laser shearography system for detection of cracks in concrete
• Nuclear system for nondestructive measurement of chlorides in concrete
• Fiber optic sensor for internal relative humidity of concrete
• Guidelines for preventing delayed ettringite formation in concrete
• Improved classification system for fly ash in concrete
• Guidelines for controlling strong chaotic motions in cable-stayed bridges
• Recommendations for use of retarders to control set of concrete

FY 2008 Funding: $12,199,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: FUTURE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM-SHRP II
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $44,657,000

Projects

Future Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP II)

Objective: Conduct concentrated, results-oriented applied research focusing on solving the top problems in the area of highway safety, reliability, capacity, and renewal.

Description: The program will be carried out by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences in consultation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The research program shall include an analysis of the following: (A) Renewal of aging highway infrastructure with minimal impact to users of the facilities, (B) Driving behavior and likely crash causal factors to support improved countermeasures. (C) Reducing highway congestion due to nonrecurring congestion, and (D) Planning and designing new road capacity to meet mobility, economic, environmental, and community needs.

Outputs:

• Research to develop a consistent, systematic approach to performing highway renewal that is rapid, causes minimum disruption, and produces long-lived facilities
• Research is to prevent or reduce the severity of highway crashes through more accurate knowledge of crash factors and of the effectiveness of selected countermeasures in addressing these factors
• Research on methods to provide highway users with reliable travel times by preventing and reducing the impact of nonrecurring incidents
• Research to develop approaches and tools for systematically integrating environmental, economic, and community requirements into the analysis, planning, and design of new highway capacity

FY 2008 Funding: $44,657,000

RD&T PROGRAM: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM: U.S. DOT PARTNER ADMINISTRATIONS (OST, RITA, FMCSA, NHTSA & PHMSA)
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $31,914,000

Projects

Center for Excellence in Project Finance

Objective: To promote and support strategic national surface transportation programs and activities relating to the work of state DOTs in project finance.

Description: The center will develop and offer training in state-of-the-art financing methods and support state DOTs in the development of project finance plans through an FHWA-funded procurement managed by OST.

Outputs:

• Training courses for state DOTs and others in state-of-the-art project finance
• Support to state DOTs in the development of finance plans

FY 2008 Funding: $762,000

National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program (NCFRP)

Objective: Awards contracts and grants for research on critical freight transportation issues through an FHWA-funded program administered by the National Research Council.

Description: Among other topics, the program will address techniques for estimating the public benefits of freight transportation projects, approaches for calculating the contribution of truck and rail traffic to congestion, use of technology to increase the capacity of truck-only highway lanes, and freight transportation research needs in all modes. Program is being administered by RITA in cooperation with OST.

Outputs:

• Formation and administration of an Oversight Committee from a diverse group of freight stakeholders
• Review of the research needs that are solicited from freight shippers and carriers, industry associations, departments of transportation and other interested entities
• Identification of key freight transportation topical areas Transportation issues
• Evaluating and selecting topics for research under the NCFRP
• Research in critical freight transportation issues to improve planning, operations and infrastructure of freight systems
• Setting project priorities and recommending funding levels
• Evaluating program effectiveness

FY 2008 Funding: $3,268,000

Biobased Transportation Research

Objective: Supports biobased transportation research of national importance at the National Biodiesel Board and at various research centers identified in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

Description: This grant will be managed by RITA and funded by the FHWA. As authorized in SAFETEA-LU (P.L. 109-59) Section 5201(m) and delegated by the Secretary, RITA has responsibility for carrying out biobased research of national importance at the National Biodiesel Board and at research centers identified in section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8109).

The Biobased Transportation Research Program will enter its third year in FY 2008. Funding in FY 2008 will allow grantees to continue projects initiated in FYs 2006 and 2007. These multi-year projects were selected by DOT through a competitive, peer-reviewed process in FY 2006. RITA manages the research projects, which focus on biobased research, product development and demonstration with an emphasis on transportation applications. The regional research centers include Cornell University, University of Tennessee, South Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University and Oregon State University.

Outputs:

• The program will continue engine testing of biofuels for compatibility with new and emerging exhaust after treatment technologies. Preliminary and final results will be published
• The program will continue to finalize and publish a published national fuel specification standard for biodiesel blends
• The program will continue focused research projects to improve the energy efficiency of producing biofuels with a particular focus on cellulosic ethanol

FY 2008 Funding: $10,892,000

Commercial Remote Sensing Products and Spatial Technologies

Objective: Develops new applications of commercial remote sensing and spatial information technologies for national infrastructure development and construction

Description: This program, which will be managed by RITA and funded by the FHWA, will establish a national policy and implement initiatives for validating application of these technologies in cooperation with consortia of university research centers, industry and state agencies.

Outputs:

• New methods for monitoring the quality of infrastructure construction and condition assessment
• Application of space based technology tools for freight flow management and congestion mitigation
• New and faster methods of collecting data for corridor planning and environmental impact assessment

FY 2008 Funding: $6,753,000

Technology Transfer Grant

Objective: Support the development and testing of technology solutions that will improve the Nation’s transportation system.

Description: The center will conduct research and demonstration projects leading to the exchange of research results with the private sector and universities. This project will be managed by RITA.

Outputs:

• Application of advanced computing to one or more complex transportation problems
• Simulations of emergency response scenarios
• Tools for conducting analyses of complex datasets

FY 2008 Funding: $3,485,000

Automobile Accident Injury Research

Objective: Support research and technology to prevent and minimize head, craniofacial, and spinal cord injuries resulting from automobile crashes.

Description: This research will be conducted by the Forsyth Institute under a grant managed by NHTSA and funded by the FHWA.

Outputs:

• An understanding of the methods of tissue regeneration in model species such as planaria, frogs, and axolots
• Methodology to control cell behavior using biophysical signals
• An understanding of the potential for cell and tissue regeneration to minimize the effects of and aid in the healing of injuries resulting from automobile crashes

FY 2008 Funding: $436,000

Rural Transportation Research Initiative

Objective: Supports research on rural transportation issues at North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

Description: Research will be carried out through a cost-shared FHWA grant managed by RITA.

Outputs:

• Establish a transportation building as a hub for transportation research, education, technology transfer, and outreach at North Dakota State University
• The new transportation building will unite all UGPTI programs, currently housed in fragmented space in three buildings. Planned major functions include: Learning, Research and Technology Transfer

FY 2008 Funding: $436,000

Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Research Initiative

Objective: Support a hydrogen-powered transportation research initiative at the University of Montana.

Description: RITA will manage this grant, which is funded through the FHWA’s RD&T program.

Outputs:

• Hydrogen Safety Training: After working with other agencies and higher education institutions, the program will continue with the collaborative distribution and update of materials and provide hydrogen safety training in the Hydrogen Safety Training Center
• Hydrogen Mobility: This phase of the research of a hydrogen-powered, magnetic levitation monorail system will identify methods to integrate hydrogen distribution and storage for the system, incorporate the switching technology into the guideway system, construct a 100 foot guideway with spur, and hang a vehicle for testing
• Hydrogen Production: This research will continue to work with palladium membrane development by improving the palladium composition, its substrate, researching application techniques, and attach fixtures for production scale testing

FY 2008 Funding: $655,000

Cold Region and Rural Transportation Research

Objective: Support the development of a research facility for basic and applied research on surface transportation issues facing rural and cold regions.

Description: RITA will manage an FHWA-funded grant to the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University to establish the facility in Lewiston, Montana.

Outputs:

• Phase I: Planning and Initial Project Deployment
• Phase II: Design/Building Research Infrastructure and Evaluate Research Projects
• Phase III: Ensuring Long Term Sustainability of Lewiston Research Facility

FY 2008 Funding: $871,000

Advanced Vehicle Technology

Objective: Support research and development of advanced vehicle technology concepts at the University of Kansas Transportation Research Institute.

Description: Research will focus on technologies related to vehicle emissions, fuel cells and catalytic processes, and intelligent transportation systems. This project will be managed by RITA.

Outputs:

• Prepare a report of activities conducted under each of the main research areas currently identified in the Transportation Research Institute
• Prepare a descriptive evaluation of the Transportation Research Institute’s research framework, and, if new elements are deemed appropriate for further growth of the Institute, prepare a plan that will address the findings contained in the evaluation
• Prepare a description of new research areas that are emerging nationally and internationally, and which should be incorporated into the Transportation Research Institute’s endeavors
• Prepare a strategic plan for the implementation, should new research areas be identified

FY 2008 Funding: $2,178,000

Motor Carrier Efficiency Study

Objective: Identify inefficiencies in freight transportation and evaluate the safety, productivity, and cost reductions that may be achieved through the use of wireless technologies.

Description: The program will first identify freight inefficiencies and evaluate the safety and productivity effectiveness of promising wireless technologies in addressing these inefficiencies. Secondly, the program will demonstrate and test the most effective wireless technologies in the areas of fuel monitoring and management systems, radio frequency identification technology, electronic manifest systems, cargo theft prevention systems, and roadside safety inspection systems. The program will be conducted in coordination with the motor carrier and wireless technology industries. This effort will be managed by FMCSA with a multi-modal USDOT management team consisting of FHWA (freight and policy offices), OST (freight office), and RITA/BTS.

Outputs:

• Freight study report documenting the safety and productivity benefits of wireless technologies at addressing inefficiencies in the surface transportation supply chain
• Results from wireless technology field operational tests

FY 2008 Funding: $1,089,000

Hazardous Materials Research Projects

Objective: Carry out the nine research projects called for in the 2005 Special Report 283 of the Transportation Research Board entitled, “Cooperative Research for Hazardous Materials Transportation: Defining the Need, Converging on Solutions.”

Description: This research will be carried out by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Sciences and will be managed by PHMSA. Specific research will be conducted while testing the concept of a cooperative hazardous materials transportation research program.

Outputs:

• Completed research projects in nine areas affecting hazardous materials transportation safety and security as identified in Special Report 283 and as prioritized and further defined by a stakeholder committee established through the TRB
• Basis for determining the viability of a longer-term cooperative hazardous materials transportation research program

FY 2008 Funding: $1,089,000

RD&T PROGRAM: TRAINING AND EDUCATION
AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $26,700,000

Projects

National Highway Institute (NHI)

Objective: Provide leadership and resources for the development and delivery of training and education programs to improve the quality of our highway system and its intermodal connections.

Description: Established in 1970, the NHI will continue to provide training, resource materials, and educational opportunities to the surface transportation community to develop both core competencies and new skills.

Outputs:

• Train the current and future transportation workforce
• Transfer knowledge quickly and effectively to and among transportation professionals
• Address the full life cycle of the highway transportation system

FY 2008 Funding: $9,270,000

Local Technical Assistance Program

Objective: Foster a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound surface transportation system by improving skills and increasing the knowledge of the transportation workforce and decision makers through training, technology transfer, and information exchange activities.

Description: The program will continue to support 57 LTAP centers serving each state, Puerto Rico, and American Indian tribal government.

Outputs:

• Transfer and manage funds to the 58 LTAP and TTAP Centers across the nation
• Develop and release specific national training products and tools on behalf of Centers
• Develop, implement and continually assess strategic and management planning for Program
• Report performance-based data on Program performance annually

FY 2008 Funding: $10,719,000

Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program

Objective: Attract qualified students to the field of transportation education and research, and advance transportation workforce development to help upgrade the scope of knowledge of the entire transportation community in the United States.

Description: Encompassing all transportation modes, the program will award fellowships based on applicants’ academic achievements, recommendations, and likelihood of pursuing a career in transportation

Outputs:

• Distribute funds in support of university students continuing with post graduate studies in transportation
• Track and monitor progress of grantees in transportation related fields

FY 2008 Funding: $2,124,000

Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program

Objective: To prepare the workforce for the 21st century by improving the preparation of students -- particularly women and minorities -- in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Description: The program will award grants to state and local educational agencies for internships, curriculum development, and other activities related to transportation.

Outputs:

• Manage grant programs that provide for transportation career awareness and preparation
• Enhance coordination throughout the education and transportation communities for career awareness and development

FY 2008 Funding: $1,207,000

Transportation Education Development Pilot Program

Objective: Train individuals at all educational levels for careers in transportation.

Description: This pilot program will focus on curriculum development for in-service professional development programs.

Outputs:

• Manage grant programs that provide for transportation career awareness and preparation
• Enhance coordination throughout the education and transportation communities for career awareness and development issues

FY 2008 Funding: $1,811,000

Freight Planning Capacity Building

Objective: Support research, training, and education in freight planning at the state and local levels.

Description: Among other activities, the program will identify and disseminate best practices in freight planning; provide opportunities for freight transportation staff to engage in peer exchange; refine data and analysis tools used to assess freight transportation needs; and facilitate relationships between governmental and private entities.

Outputs:

• Courses and workshops that improve freight professional capacity

FY 2008 Funding: $845,000

Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Assistance and Training

Objective: Offer technical assistance and training to state and local transportation agencies.

Description: The program will work with agencies to improve their approaches to surface transportation congestion measurement, analysis, and project programming.

Outputs:

• Offer technical assistance and training to state and local transportation agencies to improve their approaches to surface transportation congestion measurement, analysis, and project programming

FY 2008 Funding: $724,000

______________________________________________________________________

RD&T PROGRAM: INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS)

AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $110 M

Projects

Vehicle Infrastructure Integration –VII

Objective: To deploy a nationwide vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to roadside communication infrastructure that will enable a wide range of safety, mobility, and commercial applications

Description: The VII program is designed to demonstrate the technical, and institutional viability of the VII concept. A prototype system will be developed and tested in cooperation with all the major auto manufacturers. A “proof of concept” test will be conducted in the Detroit area. This test will validate the VII concept for the auto industry and assure that a nationwide network of infrastructure communications is viable. In addition the program will address the institutional issues of protecting privacy; how the infrastructure will be deployed; the long-term operation and maintenance of the infrastructure; and other implementation issues.

Outputs:

• Proof of the technical viability of the VII concept
• Proof that the privacy of the public can be ensured
• Proof that the security of the system is assured
• A plan for the nationwide deployment of the infrastructure
• A benefit cost analysis to justify this major public investment
• A business case analysis by the auto industry to justify installation of the VII equipment as standard equipment on all vehicles
• The development of safety applications that will prevent certain crash types
• The development of mobility applications that will improve the efficiency of the transportation system

FY 2008 Funding: $22,200,000

Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (IVBSS)

Objective: To accelerate introduction of Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) that integrate rear-end, lane-change and roadway departure crash avoidance warning systems into the U.S. vehicle fleet. These three crash types account for approximately 3.6 million police-reported crashes each year and result in 27,500 of the 42,000 fatal crashes that occur annually. It has been estimated that IVBSS technologies have the potential to prevent up to 48% of these crashes.

Description: This program will develop, demonstrate and field test vehicle-based systems to reduce rear-end, lane-change and roadway departure crashes for cars, trucks and transit buses. This will include system design, development of a driver-vehicle interface, development of prototype test vehicles and a field operational test. Systems for both light vehicles (cars) and large trucks will be developed and tested.

Outputs:

• Guidance on the development of the human-machine interface for integrated collision avoidance systems that provide warnings for multiple hazards
• Quantification of the safety benefits and user acceptance of IVBSS systems in a real-world operating environment as used by average drivers
• Determination of the performance capabilities, cost and complexity of multiple-hazard warning technologies

FY 2008 Funding: $11,000,000

Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System

Objective: To develop and field test intersection safety systems that reduce crashes resulting from traffic control violations and misjudgments in maneuvering through intersections.

Description: This initiative will examine infrastructure and vehicle cooperative systems that help reduce crossing path crashes at intersections. Violations of red lights and stop signs, and misjudgments in traffic gaps during intersection maneuvers are major contributors to deaths and injuries resulting from intersection related crashes. This initiative will build upon the existing research, develop prototype systems, field test those systems, and support and promote national deployment of both infrastructure and vehicle elements.

Outputs:

• Knowledge gained on driver behavior during intersection approaches and maneuvers
• Development of objective test procedures and performance specifications for system developers and deployers
• Determination of the effectiveness of various in-vehicle and infrastructure based warning systems to alert the driver of potential conflicts
• Costs and benefits of potential systems for a national deployment

FY 2008 Funding: $19,000,000

Next Generation 9‑1‑1 Initiative

Objective: To enable the transmission of voice, data or video from different types of communication devices to the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and emergency responder networks.

Description: The Next Generation (NG) 9‑1‑1 Initiative is creating an open systems design for exchanging and managing E9‑1‑1 calls from most types of communication devices, demonstrating a working proof of concept showing coordinated performance among the system’s components, and preparing a plan for transitioning from disparate 9‑1‑1 systems in an Internet Protocol (IP) environment to a national next generation system (or “system of systems”)

Outputs:

• High-level design for national NG9‑1‑1 system completed.
• Technical performance of NG9‑1‑1 system elements demonstrated
• Stakeholder outreach to promote the implementation of NG9-1-1 architecture
• Migration and implementation plan for NG9‑1‑1 system completed
• Independent evaluation of system performance, risks, benefits and costs
• Technical basis provided to standards development organizations for IP-based 9‑1‑1 system elements
• Technical and performance criteria provided to National 9‑1‑1 Implementation Coordination Office for conducting needs assessment

FY 2008 Funding: $2,000,000

Integrated Corridor Management

Objective: To improve mobility and safety in major urban corridors through integrated operations.

Description: USDOT will partner with several pioneer sites to develop and analyze strategies for integrated operations on the selected corridors. Use an analysis and modeling methodology and a suite of tools to independently analyze the local ICM strategies and suggest potential for benefits from implementing the strategies. Conduct a filed test of promising strategies in at least one site.

Additionally, USDOT will develop guidance material to support the integration of systems needed to implement ICM strategies. Finally, US DOT will assemble the lessons learned from the development of concepts of operations, requirements development, and analysis and modeling of ICM strategies into a compendium of best practices information on Integrated Corridor Management.

Outputs:

• Surveillance and detection systems requirements document that includes system, functional, and performance requirements
• Surveillance and detection systems application guide
• Feasibility report for the development of a decision support system that aides transportation and transit management operators in choosing ICM strategies to implement, based on current system conditions
• ICM Decision Support System Requirements and Guidance will be developed to support integrated corridor operations
• Design the physical and logical architectures for an ICM decision support system
• Pioneer Site Analysis and Modeling Plans
• Tested ICM modeling strategies
• Analysis and Modeling Tools Assessment Report
• Compendium of ICM Best Practices
• Promotional material for ICM (videos, fact sheets, presentations, brochures, and articles)

FY 2008 Funding: $12,000,000

Emergency Management and Operations

Objective: To develop tools and processes that support transportation system operators during a wide-range of emergencies.

Description:

The initiative will focus on developing tools, techniques, technical guidance, and standards necessary for state and local agencies and their private sector partners to effectively manage transportation systems during emergencies, especially those requiring evacuations. The EM&O initiative will focus on evacuation management; planning & preparedness, information collection and analysis, and information dissemination & communications

Outputs:

• Model evacuation plans that incorporate dynamic logistical requirements, addresses special needs, and consider multiple modes
• Special needs data enhancement plan to address gaps and weaknesses in databases
• Special needs data integration prototype system for extracting and integrating evacuation-related data from multiple databases
• Modeling tools that incorporate multiple modes and address special needs and other factors
• Logistical data enhancement plan that address gaps and weaknesses in databases
• Logistical data integration prototype system for extracting and integrating evacuation-related data from multiple databases

FY 2008 Funding: $4,300,000

Mobility Services for All Americans (MSAA)

Objective: To increase mobility and accessibility for the transportation disadvantaged and the general public, and achieve more efficient use of federal human service transportation funding resources through technology integration and service coordination.

Description: In collaboration with the Federal interagency United We Ride (UWR) program, the MSAA initiative aims to improve transportation services and simplify access to employment, healthcare, education, and other community activities by means of the advanced technologies of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and through extending transportation service partnerships with consumers and human service providers at the federal, State, and local levels.

Outputs:

• Knowledge on technological needs, gaps, challenges and solutions related to human service transportation
• Detailed design of ITS-enhanced, scalable and replicable models of human service transportation
• Deployment and evaluation of selected human service transportation models
• Provision of direct technical assistance to human services transportation providers and program planners and implementers
• Development and distribution of technical and/or implementation guides that contain technical details and step-by-step instructions on how to plan, design and implement a successful program
• Development and delivery of targeted training courses
• ITS peer-to-peer support resources on human service transportation
• Provision of various platforms, such as workshops and internet forums, for continuous stakeholders outreach and participation
• Publications and presentations on ITS-enhanced human service transportation

FY 2008 Funding: $3,000,000

Clarus

Objective: To establish a nationally available network of surface transportation system weather observations and a suite of integrated tools that use the system to enable proactive transportation system operations and management under adverse weather conditions.

Description: Clarus consists of two development components. The first component is the development of the Clarus System – a processing system for the collection, consolidation, quality control, and exchange of surface transportation weather data and related road and rail conditions. The second component is the development of tailored forecasts, models, and decision support tools that permit more effective use of the Clarus System and its processed data by the surface transportation community.

Outputs:

• Formal relationships with NOAA, NSF, AASHTO, and AMS to coordinate program activities with meteorological programs for other transportation modes and consumers of meteorological products.
• Established standards, guidelines, and quality control procedures for surface transportation weather observations and metadata.
• Networks and data management systems integrated with NOAA assets for road weather applications
• Foundation for collecting and integrating vehicle data
• Stimulated private sector community of solution developers that can rely on a stable Clarus System to develop business-to-government and business-to-business services

FY 2008 Funding: $2,000,000

Road Weather Research and Development Program

Objective: to maximize use of available road weather information and technologies; expand road weather research and development efforts to enhance roadway safety, capacity, and efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts; and promote technology transfer of effective road weather scientific and technological advances.

Description: Execute the program objectives as outlined in Section 5308 of SAFETEA-LU. The program will address opportunities to integrate road weather information products into transportation system operations.

Outputs:

• Formal relationships with NOAA, NSF, AASHTO, and AMS to coordinate program activities with meteorological programs for other transportation modes and consumers of meteorological products
• Improved forecasts and models for road surface and atmospheric interface to support public and private weather information providers
• Weather and road surface data integrated into traffic analysis and modeling tools that predict impacts on conditions and operations
• Accurate, route-specific weather information tailored for surface transportation managers.
• Multiple mechanisms to communicate road weather information to transportation managers and the public
• Observing, modeling, and decision support technologies integrated into information infrastructure
• Winter maintenance decision support system functionality incorporated by 20 states

FY 2008 Funding: $3,000,000

I-95 Corridor Coalition

Objective: To improve mobility for people and goods enhance safety for all travelers, and improve the economic vitality of the I-95 Corridor region through the application of ITS.

Description: The I-95 Corridor Coalition has adopted three specific strategies for achieving this objective.

• Learning and Information Sharing
• Conduct forums and provide training
• Foster Networking
• Information Management
• Provide easier access to information
• Provide a source of long-distance traveler information
• Provide information to support future investment decisions
• Facilitate Deployment Across Jurisdictions and Modes
• Promote multimodal and intermodal coordination
• Encourage interoperability among jurisdictions
• Foster adoption of standards

Outputs: Over the next five years, the Coalition will continue to expand its focus on areas of growing regional and national concern such as coordinated transportation system operations, integrating traveler information for trips that cross jurisdictional boundaries, intermodal freight movement security and efficiency, common electronic payment methods, and public safety and security. The Coalition anticipates a more active role in performing analyses of important regional transportation management and operations issues.

FY 2008 Funding: $7,000,000

ITS Architecture and Standards

Objective:

• To ensure that States, regions, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have a current, definitive national reference for the development of their regional intelligent transportation system architectures
• To increase transportation efficiency through the integration of transportation systems
• To develop open and non-proprietary ITS Standards that support the wide-scale deployment of interoperable ITS systems.
• To support the use of ITS standards through technical assistance programs, training, and deployment outreach and guidance.

Description:

• Maintain the National ITS Architecture in response to stakeholder input, and requirements from the major USDOT initiatives.
• Provide training, workshops, seminars, process improvement reviews, and technical support including reviews of regional and project architecture efforts at the State and local level.
• Update the Turbo Architecture software tool designed to assist users in their regional and project architecture developments. The tool be maintained and kept current with the latest version of the National ITS Architecture.
• Completion of the initial set of identified ITS standards and maintain the current standards based on user input.

Outputs:

• Version 7.0 of the National ITS Architecture will be published so the Architecture is current, reflecting field input and changes from stakeholders as well as input from the results of completed major initiatives
• The program’s 100+ ITS Standards will be maintained and updated as required
• ITS Standards technical assistance, training, guides, lessons learned and standards testing

FY 2008 Funding: $7,500,000

Professional Capacity Building (PCB)

Objective:
To provide learning and peer assistance opportunities that facilitate the awareness and understanding of ITS technologies, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of deployments, and foster the development of the ITS workforce

Description:
The PCB Program supports a curriculum of classroom and web-based training courses, the ITS Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Program, and a variety of other learning opportunities. The ITS Solution Center, which is operated by the PCB Program, provides “just-in-time” learning and assistance to agencies and individuals involved in the planning, deployment and operation of ITS.

Outputs:
New course development and course updates; operation and maintenance of the P2P and Talking Technology and Transportation (T3) web programs; operation and maintenance of the ITS Solution Center and the ITS Professional Development web site; and support of numerous partnerships for enhancing the accessibility of ITS learning.

FY 2008 Funding: $3,500,000

ITS Program Assessment

Objectives: To develop qualitative and quantitative information on the costs, impacts, and benefits of ITS Systems and to provide knowledge resource products to ITS investment decision-makers and deploying organizations.

Description:
The Program will continue to assess the quantitative and qualitative impacts of deployed ITS applications on the surface transportation environment. The Program will sustain the conduct of independent field evaluations of ITS implementations. The analyses of evaluation results will contribute to the development of a comprehensive body of knowledge resources to support decision-makers and practitioners at all levels of government and the private sector. Evaluation-based benefits, costs, state-of-the-practice, and lessons learned knowledge resources will be tailored to develop a wide-ranging Web and publications based outreach program to support ITS stakeholders. The program will continue to sustain activities in support of TEA-21 earmarks conducting mandated self-evaluations.

Outputs:

• Independent evaluations of ITS deployments
• Assessments of ITS-related issues of interest/concern to USDOT leadership
• ITS knowledge resources comprised of: ITS Applications Overview; benefits information on ITS deployments; documented capital and operations/maintenance-related costs incurred by ITS deployments; state-of-the-practice information; lessons learned information
• A comprehensive Web-based and multimedia-supported dissemination program

FY 2008 Funding: $7,000,000

ITS Outreach

Objective: To clearly and persuasively convey information about ITS, leading to increasing ITS deployment.

Description: By means of a website, electronic library and participation at national and international conferences, current information about ongoing ITS initiatives and resources for ITS deployment support is broadly disseminated.

Outputs:

• Maintain and improve website of current major ITS initiatives and ITS deployment support resources
• Maintain and improve electronic library of ITS research, technical reports, implementation guides, etc., produced in whole or in part by the U.S. Government
• Disseminate by means of print media and interactive demonstrations information about major ITS initiatives and ITS deployment support resources at national and international transportation and public interest group conferences

FY 2008 Funding: $1,000,000

ITS Program Support

Objective: To provide technical and program management support to the ITS Program

Description: Through several support contracts, technical support is provided to the Joint Program Office and the modal staff engaged in the delivery of the ITS Program. This support includes analyses and simulation, preparation of white papers, reviews of technical reports, program planning and tracking, and procurement support.

Outputs: Program plans; procurement plans; analyses and papers on such topics as wireless communication traffic simulation, RFID technology, etc.; detailed comments on draft reports

FY 2008 Funding: $5,500,000

Congestion Relief Research and Development

Objective: To develop, test and evaluate innovative systems and strategies for relieving highway congestion

Description: These funds would support one or more new major ITS initiatives focused on reducing congestion. These major initiatives would be focused on research, development and operational testing necessary to bring innovative solutions to the transportation marketplace. They could include major advances in the acquisition and delivery of real-time information, improved technology for identifying and responding to incidents, effective operational improvements to address traffic flow bottlenecks, and/or enhanced management techniques for controlling and balancing traffic flows along freeways and major arterials.

Outputs: Quantifiable area wide impacts of innovative ITS based solutions on congestion

FY 2008 Funding: [$25,000,000]

[ ] indicates non-add

______________________________________________________________________

RD&T PROGRAM: UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR FY 2008: $69.7 M

Projects

University Transportation Centers Program

Objective: Provide grants to universities to conduct transportation research on critical transportation issues and to support education activities that will expand the workforce of transportation professionals

Description: The University Transportation Centers Programs supports 52 university‑based centers that conduct state-of-the-art in transportation research, undertake education activities to for the next generation of transportation professionals, and for technology transfer activities. This program is funded by Title V of SAFETEA-LU and is managed by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

This program supports the Department’s Organizational Excellence strategic goal.

Outputs:

• Basic and applied research, the products of which are judged by peers or other experts in the field of transportation to advance the body of knowledge in transportation

• An education program relating to transportation that includes multidisciplinary course work and participation in research

• An ongoing program of technology transfer that makes transportation research results available to potential users in a form that can be implemented, utilized, or otherwise applied

FY 2008 Funding: $69,700,000

Policy Initiative	Supporting RD&T Programs	FY 2008 Request ($000)
E-911—Secretarial Priority	The ITS Public Safety Program is supporting a number of activities to accelerate the implementation of wireless enhanced 911 technology (Wireless E-911).   The 9-1-1 system faces serious challenges in locating 911 callers who use wireless telephones.	$1,000
Highway Incident Management Improvements—Secretarial Priority	Strategic Highway Research Program II: Conducts concentrated, results-oriented applied research focusing on solving the top problems in the area of highway safety, reliability, capacity, and renewal.  Research in this area will focus on identifying and developing strategies to mitigate congestion caused by major sources of unreliable travel, such as traffic incidents, work zones, and adverse weather.	$3,750
Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS)—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of Operations R&D is working with the US Coast Guard, the National Geodetic Survey, the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies to develop a distribution network for carrier phase GPS solutions from existing NDGPS facilities.  Efforts will include development of compression algorithms for distributing ionosphere and troposphere models, analysis of the effectiveness of the models (working with several academic institutions), and refinement of the models to support our developing understanding of the interactions of solar storms with the ionosphere.	$375 provided by FRA
GPS Modernization—President’s Second Term Priority	The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment and Realty supports the national highway planning network, GIS, and spatial data technologies research and technical assistance. The FHWA Office of Operations requests reprogramming of $3.6 million in unobligated balances of highway funds to provide resources to the Department of Defense for the assessment, development, acquisition, implementation, operation, and sustainment of additional designated Global Positioning System civil capabilities beyond the second and third civil signals already contained in the current Global Positioning System program.	$350       $3,600  [Non-Add]
Congestion Relief—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of Operations is conducting the Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Research Initiative to develop information to assist State transportation departments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to measure and address surface transportation congestion problems. The Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Technical Assistance and Training Program disseminates the results of the surface transportation congestion relief solutions research initiative for the purpose of assisting State transportation departments and local transportation agencies to improve their approaches to surface transportation congestion measurement, analysis, and project programming. The Strategic Highway Research Program II conducts concentrated, results-oriented applied research focusing on solving the top problems in the area of highway safety, reliability, capacity, and renewal.  Research in this area will focus on identifying and developing strategies to mitigate congestion caused by major sources of unreliable travel, such as traffic incidents, work zones, and adverse weather. The FHWA Office of Operations in cooperation with the ITS JPO is conducting research to develop and evaluate systems and strategies that can be used to improve overall operations in densely traveled urban corridors FHWA will expand the ITS R&D Program to conduct one or more new major initiatives specifically focused on research, development and testing of innovative methods for reducing highway congestion.	$7,842           $720             $3,750             $7,000       [$25,000] Non-add
Impacts of Congestion—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment and Realty administers the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program, which includes issues related to impacts on congestion.	$650
Major Corridor Capacity Improvements and Enhancements—Secretarial Priority	Not Applicable	N/A
Committee on the Marine Transportation Systems (MTS)—Secretarial Priority	Not Applicable	N/A
Freight and Port Capacity—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of Operations R&D coordinates and supports the development of standards and prototype equipment for dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) at 5.9 GHz radiofrequency. The FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations (HOFM) supports five of the six initiatives contained in the Secretary’s National Freight Action Agenda. Initiative 1: Facilitate the development and planning of major freight projects.  HOFM provides FHWA’s representation on the Departmental multi-modal facilitation team that supports the Port of L.A./L.B. Gateway Project, and provides active staff support to the Chicago Region Environmental & Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program.   Initiative 2: Promote intelligent transportation technologies to improve freight transportation.  HOFM manages the Universal Electronic Freight Manifest (EFM) ITS initiative and is the FHWA linkage for the Secretary’s freight agenda to the Vehicle Infrastructure Integration ITS initiative that is evaluating the enabling technology of 5.9GHz. Initiative 4: Enhance the DOT’s Freight Professional Capacity Building Program.  HOFM’s well-established program – the Freight Professional Development (FPD) program – is being used as a model for, and will be woven into, OST’s efforts to establish a multi-modal freight professional capacity building program that will span all Departmental modes. Initiative 5: Improve the timeliness and quality of freight data. HOFM manages the Freight Analysis Framework (FAF), an integrated database that enables analysis of freight flows across the transportation network, and is involved in the freight data working group, chaired by RITA, to coordinate Departmental activity in pursuit of improved freight data. Initiative 6: Accelerate development of short sea shipping.  HOFM provides substantial data and policy analysis to MARAD in support of the Short Sea Shipping initiative. HOFM is actively engaged in partnering with Department of Homeland Security, on the Electronic Freight Manifest (EFM) ITS initiative.  This effort is designed to ensure that the electronic transfer of information relative to freight movement is compatible with and supportive of private sector needs as well as governmental regulatory requirements.  HOFM is also partnering with the Transportation Research Board in the scoping, development, and promotion of a national conference to be held September 25-27, 2006 to improve freight modeling activity in the transportation sector.  This effort also supports the Secretarial priority of Freight and Port Capacity by enabling better modeling and forecasting freight flows from the data we have. The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment and Realty supports U.S./Mexico working committee research and U.S./Canada transportation border working group research. It also administers the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program, which includes issues related to freight planning.	$2,000 - All funds provided by the ITS program                                                                                         $400     $100
Next Generation Air Transportation—Secretarial Priority	Not Applicable	N/A
International Trade Data System—President’s Second Term Priority	Not Applicable	N/A
International Transportation Liberalization—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of International Programs conducts related programs, including Scanning, Border Technology Exchange Program, technology and information exchanges (including among experts), participation on international committees and organizations, and training. Activities support the Secretary’s highest priority geographic areas, including Asia/Pacific (particularly China and India, US Borders with Canada and Mexico and the Middle East (i.e. Iraq), among others.  Activities also support priority substantive areas, especially safety, improving partnerships and opening opportunities for the US transportation industries. As part of the Electronic Freight Manifest, HOFM is participating in the development of an ISO standard for electronic freight messaging while also developing a concept of operations for a web portal that will handle the electronic freight manifest as it passes along each segment of the supply chain and documents the possessor of the freight at each segment.   FHWA undertakes cooperative efforts with foreign governments to leverage resources and further the goals of the R&T program. This includes participation in international organizations, such as the World Road Association (PIARC) and the Joint Transport Research Centre (JTRC) of the European Council of Ministers of Transport and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(ECMT/OECD). The Centre is intended to provide a wider international forum devoted to research and related discussions on surface transportation with an intermodal perspective.  Support for the JTRC research program includes major work projects in the areas of “Economic Evaluation of Long-Life Pavement” and “Congestion in Large Metropolitan Areas.”   FHWA staff participate in international symposiums and workshops around the world. One of the anticipated programs includes FORMAT (Fully Optimized Road Maintenance) project steering committee meetings. (The United States is one of 14 countries participating in the European Union sponsored research project.)	$1,250                                         N/A                   N/A     N/A
Freight System Impacts—Secretarial Priority	The National Cooperative Freight Research Program is being carried out in cooperation with OST and RITA.	$3,268 K
Project Review Enhancements—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment and Realty supports research to improve the environmental review process to achieve the timely delivery of highway and transit projects. In addition, there are many programs under SAFETEA-LU that address process improvements including providing progress reports to Congress.	$2,100K
Hydrogen Research Initiative—President’s Second Term Priority	The Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Research Initiative is being carried out in cooperation with RITA and the University of Montana. The Advanced Vehicle Technology Research on vehicle emissions, fuel cells and catalytic processes, and intelligent transportation systems is being carried out in cooperation with RITA and the University of Kansas Transportation Research Institute. Hydrogen Storage Research is being carried out at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware. Research is being conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology Alternative Fuels and Life-Cycle Engineering.	$650 K     $2,178 K         $400 K   $800 K
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response—Secretarial Priority	The FHWA, together with the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the Department of State, the General Services Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and others have formed a Perimeter Security Testing Working Group to design and test aesthetically enhanced streetscapes that function as barrier elements for use at federal properties federal properties nationally and abroad.  FHWA contributes through the use of models and simulations initially developed for roadside hardware safety analysis.  Funding is requested to engineer (including limited crash testing to verify their effectiveness) alternative barrier treatments that meet the Urban Design and Security Plan adopted by the NCPC in October of 2002.  The parties have a common interest in ensuring that barrier elements that secure the perimeter of federal buildings are tested for reliability against vehicular attack and are designed to be complementary to the surrounding environment.   Proposed FHWA activities in support of national security also include: Develop and Deliver Security Training (TRB/AASHTO Survey found training to be a primary need identified by state DOTs).   Identify and promote best practices and new technology in highway security Partner with ASSHTO Special Committee on Transportation Security in delivery of Seminars and Workshops in Highway Security	$300 K                               N/A

EXHIBIT V-4

Federal Highway Administration

Implementation of the R&D Investment Criteria

R&D Investment Criteria	How Applied	Actions Reflected in FY 2008 Request
Relevance	Research program is mission oriented and supports the FHWA and DOT strategic goals Stakeholders are engaged throughout the R&T process, including agenda-setting and planning Stakeholders are engaged in agenda-setting and planning through the TRB Research and Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC), National Partnership Initiative and other advisory groups Stakeholders are engaged in development of multi-year program plans, which are revisited annually External experts and advisory groups ensure program relevance throughout the research process itself Stakeholders are engaged in technology transfer and innovation deployment activities The program employs a number of mechanisms for customer feedback, including surveys and focus groups	R&T activities support FHWA and DOT goals, and the Secretary’s priorities, including the Congestion Relief Initiative Composition and management of the R&T program, including advanced research, reflect advice of the RTCC Budget request is based on multi-year program plans tied to the strategic goals, which were updated in 2006 with stakeholder input
Quality	Investment decisions are based on competition and merit review whenever possible External experts are frequently consulted during the design and conduct of research; merit reviews of results are encouraged Influential scientific information is peer reviewed prior to dissemination An assessment process for FHWA’s 26 laboratories provides independent expert evaluation of research efforts.	Lab assessments scheduled for FY 2008 include: the Human Centered Systems Lab, Asphalt Labs, Traffic Research Lab and Hydraulics Lab. Influential scientific information is peer reviewed prior to dissemination
Performance	Stakeholders are involved in reviewing performance retrospectively Cost-benefit studies have been conducted for elements of the program Efficiency measures (cost and timeliness) link resources consumed and results achieved Program results are linked to the FHWA and DOT performance plans Performance is documented in an annual report	Multi-year program plans or roadmaps have been adjusted to reflect past performance and progress towards the goals

 

Discussion

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducts research in areas where a unique Federal role has been established, using four criteria that are included in a “Statement of Principles” in the SAFETEA-LU—that is, when:

• the work is of national significance;
• there is a clear public benefit and private sector investment is less than optimal;
• it supports a Federal stewardship role in assuring that state and local governments use national resources efficiently; or
• it presents the best means to support Federal policy goals compared to other policy alternatives.

 

The FHWA research program includes advanced and fundamental, long-term highway research; research aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion; research aimed at improving the highway infrastructure and reducing lifecycle costs; research aimed at significant highway research gaps and emerging issues with national implications; and research related to policy, planning, and environment. The FHWA also facilitates sharing of research results and promotes technology transfer and innovation. 

The FHWA focuses its program on where it can add value or leverage resources by collaborating and coordinating with other programs.

FHWA’s Corporate Master Plan for Research and Deployment of Technology and Innovation guides the R&T Program.  The Plan outlines a strategy and a Federal role for investing in and conducting research on behalf of FHWA partners and stakeholders.  It incorporates three elements considered to be essential by other well-established Federal R&T programs:

• Involving stakeholders throughout the process
• Employing merit reviews
• Evaluating research and deployment on an ongoing basis

 

Quarterly Research and Development investment criteria reviews at which modal administrations discuss their research and development programs and priorities, are held at the DOT level.  At these reviews, modal administrations show how they are supporting the Department’s strategic goals, and how they are applying the Office of Management and Budget’s research and development investment criteria.  The FHWA’s program was reviewed in March 2006. 

Relevance

In the context of the OMB Criteria for Federal Investment in Research, “relevance” means both relevance to the mission of the agency and relevance to the users of the research.

FHWA’s R&T program supports the mission of the agency to enhance mobility through innovation, leadership, and public policy.  It contributes to achievement of the Department’s and agency’s six strategic goals: safety; reduced congestion; global connectivity; environment; national homeland security, and organizational excellence.

The R&T program is stakeholder driven.  Stakeholders are engaged throughout the entire R&T process through agenda setting and planning, the conduct of research, technology and innovation deployment, implementation, and customer feedback.  Specifically, stakeholders are engaged in agenda setting and planning through the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB’s) Research & Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC), the National Partnership Initiative, and other advisory groups.  Within the ITS Program, the Department is currently establishing an ITS Advisory Committee to provide formal program input to the ITS Program for a range of stakeholders.   

Stakeholders provide input to multi-year program plans, or roadmaps, that support FHWA goals and guide the work of the R&T program.  These plans are revisited annually, to determine whether adjustments are needed.  FHWA’s R&T budget requests are based on the multi-year program plans, which include annual and long-term performance goals, tied to the Administration’s and Department’s strategic goals.

In addition, external experts and advisory groups ensure program relevance throughout the research process itself.  Once research is completed, stakeholders are engaged in a wide variety of technology transfer and innovation deployment activities.  Following deployment and implementation, surveys and focus groups are among the activities employed to gain feedback from the users of R&D products.

In response to an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) recommendation, FHWA requires the recipients of earmarked funds to demonstrate how projects and intended results support FHWA and DOT goals.  To do this, FHWA has developed standardized language that is used in contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with earmark recipients. This helps to align resources with the goals and hold contractors accountable for progress towards the goals.

Throughout the research process, FHWA is committed to ensuring that national needs and agency goals and priorities are met.

Quality

FHWA employs a number of mechanisms to ensure high quality in its research program.

Awarding Contracts Competitively.  To the greatest extent possible, R&T investment decisions are based on the well-established principles of competition and merit review. Most FHWA awards, unless directed otherwise by the Congress in Appropriations or Authorization language, are competitive. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) generally include language describing the relationship between the research project and the agency’s long-term strategic goals.  Each RFP includes a specific set of criteria, known by all applicants in advance, that their proposal must address to successfully receive an award. Multi-person panels with experience related to the field under consideration, or related applications evaluate the proposals. The firm or applicants that most effectively responds to the solicitation’s technical requirements, as evaluated using the criteria provided, then receives a cost evaluation. If the cost evaluation supports it, the firm is then considered for the actual award.

Even in those cases where the recipient is designated it is not unusual for panels of independent experts to help guide the design and conduct of the research and evaluate the quality of the final product, as an alternative process for ensuring quality. 

Merit reviews of research results and publications are encouraged for all R&T projects, and all influential scientific information that is disseminated by the FHWA is peer reviewed prior to publication.

Independent groups conduct periodic evaluations of the FHWA’s R&T program and help ensure quality.  These include:

Research & Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC):  The Transportation Research Board’s RTCC was convened in 1991 and provides periodic independent advice on the overall structure and quality of the FHWA’s R&T Program.  RTCC membership includes top-level administrators, researchers, and practitioners from state governments, academia, and industry. The RTCC is scheduled to meet twice in FY 2008 and issue a letter report to the Federal Highway Administrator documenting its findings and recommendations.  The advice of the RTCC relates to both program structure and quality.  The RTCC also takes on the preparation of periodic in-depth “special reports”, such as Special Report 261 on the Federal Role in Research and Technology. 

The future work plan for the committee calls for it to address such issues as the role of universities in a national highway R&T program, improving coordination with other research entities, and FHWA’s leadership role in a post-reauthorization R&T program.

Lab Assessments: The FHWA has initiated a lab assessment process for the periodic and routine assessment of laboratory research and programs at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center by independent panels of experts. The process was modeled after the National Academies’ review process for the National Institute for Standards and Technology and the Army Research Labs. The objective of the assessments is to provide independent feedback to laboratory managers, FHWA leadership, and partners to improve the quality and performance of laboratory research and services.  Three or four lab assessments are conducted each year, and each lab is reviewed once every four years. These independent reviews by external experts help FHWA to monitor whether the research program is appropriately structured and is on track toward providing an appropriate knowledge base for achieving agency goals. The review focuses on enhancing the quality of work performed in the labs (quality) but also addresses whether the work supports the goals of the agency and meets customer needs (relevance) and includes a retrospective review of past performance (performance). 

Among the issues related to quality that the lab assessment panels are asked to review are whether:

• Research maximizes quality through the use of clearly stated defensible methods for awarding contracts, and Federal managers and contractors are held accountable for cost, schedule, and performance results.
• Quality assessment of the research is conducted through comparative methods such as best practices identification, expert/peer reviews, and benchmarking.
• In addition to FHWA reports, research is reported in publications that are peer reviewed.
• Methods are in place for maintaining the expertise of research personnel and the capabilities of laboratory facilities.
• Quality guidelines for statistical information are based on structured planning and sound statistical methods.
• Research demonstrates objectivity in presentation and substance, and integrity, (i.e., protecting information from unauthorized access, corruption, or revision).

 

As a specific example of a quality issue identified and addressed as a result of a lab assessment, the March 2004 assessment of the asphalt labs identified concerns about the treatment of data, noting that “Data are handled very differently in the different labs”.  Since then we have developed a PC-based “laboratory information management system” (LIMS) that standardizes how data are managed and allows data to be shared across various labs.  Also, we developed a written procedures manual specifying standard procedures and methods of recording/storing data, in conjunction with LIMS implementation.

Other observations and recommendations of past panels have related to maintaining the expertise of research personnel in light of declining training and travel budgets, retirements and contractor turn-over. 

Lab assessments scheduled for FY 2008 include: the Human Centered Systems Lab, the Asphalt Labs, the Traffic Research Lab and the Hydraulics Lab.

The lab assessment is not really complete until the agency considers and addresses the panel’s recommendations.  Within a month following each review, the lab manager develops a matrix of actions to address the panel’s recommendations.  Progress is reviewed by FHWA management every six months.  This follow-up process allows the lab to implement improvements in a deliberate and measurable way during the four-year period between assessments.

Performance

The FHWA utilizes a variety of mechanisms for customer feedback related to R&T. Outreach efforts such as customer and product surveys, web-based feedback loops, listening sessions, focus groups, lab assessments, and the RTCC are used to gain feedback and information from customer and partner groups. Recent initiatives have included:

• Obtaining Office of Management and Budget clearance for the research and technology customer satisfaction survey.
• Development & implementation of a web based research, development and technology customer survey.

RD&T Annual Performance Report:  The FHWA RD&T 2006/2007 Performance Plan and the FY 2005 Research Project Status Summary are published and available on line at www.tfhrc.gov.  The Research Project Status Summary documents FHWA’s performance retrospectively against outputs previously defined and published in the 2004/2005 Performance Plan. Through the mechanism of these two reports, FHWA’s RD&T Program holds itself publicly accountable for its work and the delivery of research products.   In addition to outputs, managers track cost and timeliness (efficiency measures).  These two measures link resources consumed and results achieved.  In addition, these two measures enable FHWA to determine whether the RD&T Program is meeting the annual milestones in the multi-year program plans, and making progress toward long-term goals, and consequently, whether funding should be enhanced or redirected.